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Scute fell off, bone exposed

raz360 Jan 14, 2007 05:06 AM

I've had my russian tortoise for maybe two months now and I noticed today that a small part of ine of his scute had fallen off and the bone was exposed. I have him on a diet of endives, radichio in a Spring Mix, and just recently added collard greens. I'd like to add more variety to the mix eventually but my local produce department is lacking. Every feeding I dust his food with calcium. He has proper lighting and is on a normal daylight/nightime schedule.

He's missing only part of a small scute. It looks as though it just flaked off. Is this the consequence of a poor diet on my part? Should I take him to the vets? I also noticed some white discoloration under his nose possibly a week back. It's not external. It looks as though the white is under the beak's surface. Parhaps I should have him treated for worms?

Any advice is helpful. I could get some pictures up here later today if that would help.

Replies (1)

PHRatz Jan 14, 2007 04:02 PM

Yes do take him to a vet.
More than likely this is caused by a fungal infection.. probably has nothing to do with his diet.
Fungal infections aka SCUD aka shell rot need to be vet treated.
I babysat a couple of aquatic turtles that had SCUD.. the owner of them waited far too long to seek treatment from a vet.. the little map didn't make it.

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PHRatz

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